Footlight Flashes.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XII, 21 March 1896, Page 319

Footlight Flashes.

By the Prompter. A CROWDED house was drawn to the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, on the 29th of February- by the announcement that the much-talked ‘ Land of the Moa,’ which has made a reputation for itself in New Zealand, Sydney, Brisbane, was to be produced. It was also announced, in defiance of Mr Leitch's protests, that there would be hakas, war dances, tangis, and by real Maoris, and that new and great effects would be introduced. Mr Leitch, being announced as the author of this new arrangement of his work, which had cost him the labour of years, protested against the production, but in defiance of this the plav was given. The Melbourne Press, commenting upon the production, gives it anything but commendation. The introduced dialogue, and re-arrangement of scenes, the absence of the real Maoris and the introduction and pretensions of imitation ones, did not only confuse the story, but provoked ridicule and disappointment. Apologies had to be made for the absence of the greatly advertised sensational effect —a jumping horse —which could not be induced to jump. It had not jumped when the Wednesday’s mail left. Mr Leitch, whose contract with the Wellington syndicate ended in Sydney, has issued proceedings against the management for introducing a mutilated edition of his work under his name and as the original production.

Professor W. A. and Madame Stella Davis have just toured Southland and the Otago goldfields, good business following them right through. Their Dunedin season (six nights) began on Wednesday last. Afterwards they visit North Otago and South Canterbury- route to Christchurch and the North.